AWWA Distributes Radio PSA To Mark Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

The American Water Works Association marked Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by distributing a radio public service announcement that urges homeowners to remove sources of lead that can come into contact with water.

“More than ever, homeowners and renters are receptive to hearing about how to protect their families from lead risks, about getting their water tested, about complete lead service line replacement,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is another opportunity to talk about these risks and spur action in our communities.”

Provided to stations throughout North America, the radio PSA is airing in both English and Spanish. The spots note that both water utilities and their customers have a role to play in keeping water safe all the way to the tap, and urges “together, let’s get the lead out.”

The spots invite consumers to visit AWWA’s Drinktap.org consumer site to learn more about protecting their homes from lead in water.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is an annual observance spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Historically, its primary focus has been awareness of risks such as lead-based paint and contaminated soil and dust. In the aftermath of the Flint, Michigan, incident, there is expanded messaging on potential risks associated with lead in water.

AWWA, the world’s largest and oldest association of water professionals, supports measures to strengthen protections for customers while working for a future when sources of lead exposure through water are removed. While water coming from treatment plants and traveling through water mains does not contain lead, the metal can dissolve into water from service lines that connect older homes to the water system or from home plumbing fixtures and solder.

“Removing lead service lines is a shared community responsibility among utilities, customers, government and other stakeholders,” LaFrance said. “It will also have to be accomplished in the context of other real risks that compete for scarce resources. Water professionals have a proud history of overcoming big challenges. This one is complicated, but it’s also solvable. Together, let’s get the lead out.”

About The American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.